Colleen McKemie: Lighting Up Every Room

Colleen McKemie

Lighting Up Every Room

Colleen McKemie lights up every room she enters with her cheery disposition. She not only feels happy; she spreads happiness. One can’t help but feel happier around her illuminating smile and excitement for life.

Upon meeting her, it’s hard to believe Colleen has known the heartbreak of divorce, the challenge of being a working mom raising two kids alone, and the sorrow of losing her second husband to dementia. Through it all, her faith and family have inspired her to have a positive outlook and choose happiness which, she finds among other things, in giving back to others.

“Growing up, I came from a very loving family — my parents, brothers, and I were very close. My mother and father encouraged me every step of the way and had a great philosophy: ‘Think of the other person.’”

Colleen says she inherited her happy disposition from both parents as well as from her great grandmother who taught her to be open minded, willing to accept life’s changes, and to look forward to what’s ahead.

Through the years, Colleen has navigated many changes while maintaining a positive outlook. She supported her children by working in the loan department of a bank and later at an insulation manufacturing plant where her duties ranged from being a marketing assistant to driving a forklift.

Her second marriage blended two families, doubling the love. Their sharing and caring for one another also doubled Colleen’s happiness. When her husband developed dementia, he spent his final months in a residential care facility.

“During that time, I was in training to live alone,” she says.

After his passing, she relied on her faith and positive outlook to help her through her grief and find joy again.

“I love my life,” Colleen says. “I’m very happy and active and never sit alone and feel sorry for myself. I wake up every day saying it’s going to be a good day. And every day is a good day.”

There’s no time for sitting. Not only does she enjoy visiting her four children (including two bonus children, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren), Colleen belongs to two book clubs, loves bridge and knitting, and is very involved in her church.

All the while, Colleen embodies her family creed to think of others by being involved in philanthropy. In addition to making charitable contributions to the Generosity for Generations Campaign, she’s involved in PEO and has been invited to join another family, Sun Health Foundation’s Women of Distinction.

This community of women leaders helps to ensure that healthcare resources make the greatest impact in the lives of West Valley residents.

And, Colleen says, that makes her very happy.

Colleen McKemie